SEATTLE, WA—(club release) Former Seattle Reign FC and U.S. women’s national team defender Steph Cox has joined the Reign FC first team staff as an assistant coach, the club announced today.

“I am so honored and excited to be joining the Reign FC coaching staff,” said Cox. “After almost 10 years of playing professionally and internationally, I have the highest regard and admiration for the coaching ability and education of Laura [Harvey] and Sam [Laity]. Not only do they create a positive environment for the players, but they are great developers and help the players perform at their highest level.”

Cox played for Reign FC from its inaugural season in 2013 until her retirement in 2015. She made 48 appearances for the club, notching four assists and helping the team to back-to-back NWSL Shields. The defender was also named to the NWSL’s Second XI in 2014 and 2015. Internationally, Cox amassed 89 caps for the U.S. Women’s National Team and won a gold medal with the squad at the 2008 Olympics.

“Not having Steph around us in 2016 was different,” said Seattle Reign FC head coach and general manager Laura Harvey. “I spoke with her and said I’d love her to be part of our staff in any way that she could. Her experience and knowledge of the game and what she can give back to the players in terms of things she went through is massive. She’s someone the players can really speak to and learn from both on the mental side of the game and tactically as well.”

Stephanie Cox.

“I hope I can bring a player’s perspective to the coaching staff,” said Cox. “My focus will be primarily on the backline. This season we have the most defenders that we have ever had, and I want to help them all develop and be prepared for their role and maximize their different opportunities on the field.”

The club also announced that Ben Dragavon has stepped down from his role as goalkeeper coach. Dragavon has been replaced by Doug Herrick, who served as an assistant goalkeeper coach for the club earlier this season.

During his collegiate career, Herrick led St. Mary’s College of California to their first West Coast Conference championship and the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. After spending time as a MLS league pool goalkeeper, Herrick was part of the Guam men’s national team.

“I’d like to thank Ben for his commitment to the club over the past four seasons. I wish him every success in his future endeavors,” said Harvey. “We’re pleased that Doug has been able to seamlessly transition into the role and are excited to have him as a member of the coaching staff.”

Seattle Reign FC is one of ten teams in the National Women’s Soccer League. The NWSL is the premier women’s professional soccer league in North America, featuring many of the top players from the United States, Canada and around the world. Seattle Reign FC train and host home matches at Memorial Stadium, located in the shadow of the Space Needle on the Seattle Center campus. For more information on the club visit reignfc.com.